Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

Take advantage of the summer sunshine and long hours and get to work on this summer maintenance checklist:

Part 1: Easy Maintenance - Tasks that take 30 minutes or less to completeWindow Treatment - Investing in sun-blocking window covers and a new screen is energy efficient and hygienic, reducing costs while keepingout pesky bugs and dirt. Clean the exterior glass of debris and smudges while you are out there.Clean Sink Disposal - An unattended kitchen disposal can become a smelly, clogged mess. If your disposal has a baffle, clean-up is easy. Simply take it out and wash out the food buildup. Otherwise, try freezing vinegar ice cubes and running them down the disposal to keep thingssmelling fresh. Test House Alarms - This easy (but life-saving) home maintenance step takes less than five minutes to complete. Simply push the test button onyour smoke and carbon monoxide alarm and listen for the alarm. Don't hear anything? Put in new batteries and repeat the test again.Vacuum the Vents - Do you have an irritable bathroom fan? You know, the kind that sounds like it's wheezing and splitting every time you turn iton? It's probably just full of dust and debris. Remove the coverings on your vents and vacuum out the dust. The result will be a quieter and moreefficient vent.

Part 2: Hour-Long Projects - Tasks that take a few hours to completeCheck for Leaky Pipes - Leaky pipes are a bank breaker. They hike up your water bill, ruin your lawn, and cause mold and mildew in yourhouse. Feel your walls for wetness, check your water pressure, and monitor your water bill. Any suspicious signs could mean a leak.Inspect Air Conditioners - There's nothing worse that a 100-degree day without AC. If you have a window unit, be sure to remove and clean thefilter every season. If you have central air, the rule of thumb is to have the AC unit inspected by a professional once a year to keep the frigid airblowing.Check the Roof - Weather, wind, and everyday wear and tear can hurt your roof. Check for missing shingles or mold or anything that might hurtyour home's head. Better to make small repairs every summer than to spend thousands of dollars to replace the whole roof.

Part 3: The Tough Tasks - Tasks that take a day or longer to completeRestore the Deck and Patio - Decks and patios can take a beating with heavy snowfall in the winter and the thawing and refreezing in spring. Summer is the perfect time to re-stain the deck and check for loose floorboards or mold. Give the whole surface a good scrub, power wash,sealing, or even some sanding. A little elbow grease and you'll be ready for that outdoor barbecue.Landscaping - An overgrown lawn can lead to animal and bug infestations, choke out existing plants, and reduce curb appeal. Make the most oflong summer hours by putting in time mowing, weeding, and caring for your yard.Check Exterior Paint and Siding - Peeling paint and chipped siding can let in bugs and weather. Algae and mildew can also show up if you livein a humid climate. Do a lap around your house and check for any problem areas. By painting, cleaning, and repairing issues now, you can avoidthe vacation-killing expense of having to replace your home's siding.Clean Your Gutters - Standing water and leaf buildup is the ultimate no-no. In the short term, unclean gutters can attract mosquitoes and otherpests.

Source: HomeAdvisor - This publication is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to provide any reader with specific authority, advice or recommendations. Where you deem necessary, we suggest that you seek advice regarding your particular situation from the appropriate professional.